Actress Selma Blair arrested after attacking flight attendants, attempting to open plane door

US actress Selma Blair, 54, was arrested on Sunday at John F. Kennedy International Airport after an alleged violent incident aboard Delta Air Lines Flight 938 from Los Angeles. According to multiple law enforcement and airport officials, Blair allegedly punched one flight attendant, bit another, and attempted to open the aircraft door while the plane was in flight. The incident occurred around 11 p.m. local time. Two flight attendants were injured; one was hospitalized for further evaluation.

Dispatch audio obtained by media outlets referenced reports of minor injuries including a bloody nose and bite marks. Air traffic control audio included the pilot requesting medical personnel. Blair was taken into custody upon landing and transported to a hospital for evaluation. According to a federal law enforcement source, she was issued a summons for assault within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the US and is required to appear at petty violation court in Brooklyn, with no date yet set.

Blair's publicist stated that "Selma experienced a medical emergency that led to the alleged conduct. Upon landing, she received immediate medical attention and is currently in stable condition." The FBI is investigating the incident. Delta Air Lines issued a statement saying the airline "has zero tolerance for unruly or unlawful behavior, as the safety of our customers and crew always comes first." The flight landed ahead of schedule with no operational impact.

This is the second reported in-flight incident involving Blair. In 2016, she was removed from a flight on a stretcher after an outburst while traveling with her 4-year-old son. At that time, Blair apologized publicly, stating she had mixed alcohol with medication, which caused her to "black out" and "say and do things that I deeply regret." Blair disclosed a multiple sclerosis diagnosis in 2018 and announced remission from the disease in 2021.

Blair is known for roles in "Legally Blonde," "Cruel Intentions," "The Sweetest Thing," and the "Hellboy" films. She received a Grammy nomination in 2011 for a spoken word children's album.